Unfortunately, motor vehicle collisions occur every day in Calgary, particularly during times of poor road conditions. While the steps to take if involved in a collision may appear obvious, individuals are often in shock and unprepared when an accident happens. For that reason, we suggest the following tips be kept in mind in case an accident occurs: Your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road should be the main priority. If at all possible, you and the other vehicle involved should pull over to a safe spot prior to getting out of your vehicles. If you are unable to move the vehicles, hazard lights should be activated and you should remain inside your vehicles until first responders arrive and are able to control traffic.
Depending on the severity of the accident, either phone the Police and request that they attend on scene, or contact them as soon as possible following the collision in order to report the accident. Ensure that you obtain all relevant information from the other drivers involved and provide them with your information. The information that should be exchanged includes: names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance providers and policy numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license information, as well as the make, model, year, color and VIN number of each vehicle involved. – If possible, photograph the scene of the collision, the damage to the vehicles and any visible injuries you sustained. – If possible, obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses to the collision. – Report the collision to your insurance provider as soon as possible and commence a claim through them for Section B benefits, which can include both medical – – benefits and disability benefits, if warranted.
Contact a personal injury lawyer to seek advice as to your options. It is important that you speak to a lawyer prior to speaking with the other driver’s insurance company or signing any authorizations for them. If they do contact you, simply advise that you are seeking legal representation and will have your lawyer contact them. You have no obligation to provide a statement or sign any authorizations releasing your medical information to the other driver’s insurance company.